2003 Chevy Cavalier Engine is running hot

2003 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
79,000 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
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DIPENDLETON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have replaced the thermostat 2 times, thinking I just had a bad one. Replaced the water pump, and the radiator. Yes, the cooling fan comes on and goes off like it is supposed to. There is no visible water leaking from anywhere other than the back flow valve on the resivoir. After a short time of running the top (left) hose is hot, the bottom (right) hose is still cold. (Like the water is not really circulating through the motor.) Out of options. What now?
Oh yeah! My heater inside the car does not work now. The air conditioner is still blowing cold air, just not the heater.
Nov 9, 2010 at 8:44 AM
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JDL
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 16,098 POSTS
Does the radiator have a cap, some don't? Yeah, I'd want to check for coolant flow. Maybe the system has air in it? Sometimes, I leave the thermostat out, just for flow testing, hook everything up. If you can see in the radiator, I can usually see or feel the coolant flow, the flow is instant, no thermostat. You might be able to take the heater hose return line loose from engine block, have helper bump the starter, see if you get any flow?
Nov 9, 2010 at 10:24 AM
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